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Sunday, May 31, 2015

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 1, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! My prayers continue for Sheila as she struggles to regain her footing in a world forever changed for her family. I am glad to see she is reading and blogging a bit.


What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Well here we are in June!  We got the massive State Data Call uploaded on Friday. Now I can catch up on legal work. :-) 

My reading was good but a bit pushed to get the scheduled reviews up. I only finished two books and almost complete on an audio.   I posted five reviews (one with giveaway) and posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited early in the week but then never got back to visit due to my working late, more computer troubles and finally crashing at the end of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2)
by Beth Cato
This is an engaging Steampunk. The review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




2. eBook/Kindle


Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
I really enjoyed this series of fun historical romance.
The review and giveaway is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.




3. Audible/MP3


The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21
Written by: Stephanie Laurens
Narrated by: Matthew Brenher
I actually have another hour or so to complete this but it will be done on Monday and I will post the review this week. 
I selected this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.




Currently reading:
1. Print


The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
I will finish this soon
and hope to post the review this week.
I received this for review through The Cadence Group.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I am enjoying this writing and looking forward to the plot development.
I received this from the Author at EPICon 2015.
Click on book title for full description.




3. Audio


Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1)
by Lee Stephen
I received this in Audio format for review
from iRead Book Tours
in prep of reviewing the 2nd book in the series.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 4, 2006
Some men go to war for the glory. Some men go to war to escape. For Scott Remington, war is entirely different. It is a belief. It is a calling. It is a destiny. Leaving everything behind-his fiancée, his future, his life-he embarks on a mission of faith into a battle he can barely understand. This is his story. This is his war. This is only the beginning.



4. Print


Lost Mission
by Athol Dickson
This is our Ladies Book Club book for June 6. I refused to pay the Kindle price so I had to order more imperfect copies when I got the chance. I hope I can get it read in time.
Product Description
Buried beneath the poverty-stricken barrios and wealthy enclaves of Southern California, a Spanish mission is uncovered during a construction project---along with evidence of a crime. When four people begin work on unraveling the mystery, they each face a moral dilemma. Will their choices perpetuate the very crime that doomed the mission hundreds of years before? 288 pages, softcover from Howard.


June/1/15- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.


No specific date: The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer by Jack C. Westman
June:
6/9 Audio - Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1) by Lee Stephen - iRead Book Tour
6/16 Outlaw Trigger (Epic Book 2) by Lee Stephen - iRead Book Tour
6/17 The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen
6/30 A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr


I posted five reviews last week which only leaves one prior audio plus a the one finished this week. I am down to three NetGalley titles although I am struggling not to get more.
I hope to get to a TBR eBook next week this month.


 Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I received no review titles this week.
I did purchase one print book for Ladies Book Club and one $.99 Kindle book.
I also received the free Audio download pair from SYNC.
Of course I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
None.

Won
None.

Purchased
I bought one book for Ladies Book Club.


Lost Mission
by Athol Dickson
I couldn't resist this for $.99
Valerie Comer, Narelle Atkins, Autumn Macarthur, Heidi McCahan, Lesley Ann McDaniel, Carol Moncado, Lynette Sowell, Jan Thompson, Marion Ueckermann

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week four.

The Ring & the Crown
The Ring and the Crown
by Melissa De La Cruz
Sea HeartsRead by Jennifer Ikeda
Sea Hearts
by Margo Lanagan
Read by Eloise Oxer


Over the past week I added 43 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
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Sunday Words of Encouragement May 31, 2015

Our Sunday School teacher continued with the study in Romans on not judging. This blended well with our communion message on putting unrest behind and partaking of the sacraments in a humble and worthy manner. I have really tried to boil down today's messages into little nutshells. There was more discussion and more scripture but I think (hope) I have captured the gist of it.

Romans 2:3 basically asks ‘What right have you to judge others and then think you will escape the judgment of God on your own sin?’ Sin is sin and we all are guilty. God’s loving kindness, forbearance and patience is intended to lead us to repentance. Romans 2:4.  It is intended to help us find a right standing with God, not to make us prideful thinking we are superior to others.

Likewise, advised our Pastor, the Lord hates those who stir up trouble in the community. Proverbs 6:9. If there is a spirit of unrest we need to seek out and address any issue directly and nip it in the bud. We need to discern the type of fruit Luke 6:43. Otherwise we need to turn away from restlessness that may be the yeast of criticism (Matthew 16:11) and seek God’s peace and grace.


This song seemed to fit today for those who have a restless spirit and need encouragement.
Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey.
A Verse for today:
Isaiah 30:15
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, "In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength." But you were not willing,

I am ever so thankful for God’s patience and kindness towards me. It is by His Amazing Grace that I experience great joy. It is by His plan that I seek to share His love and joy with others while in this earthly world..
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Saturday, May 30, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #205 Comment Giveaway May 30, 2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Ohh - this was a tense week with a big data call due by June 1. I was home late three nights and had trouble
with internet one night and crashed at the end of the week.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Somehow it doesn't surprise me that most of us do not listen to a lot of music. :-) Only three of 14 commenters offered choices. Janhvi  suggested Demons by Imagine Dragons with Caressed by Ice. Nikki suggested Kelly Clarkson's Dark Side for the 50 Shades of Grey. Meredith suggested a song with witches (couldn't remember the name) for a scene in Outlander. Fredamans didn't have a song for a book but noted that some book titles make her think of a song  --  "Love Will Keep us together by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt always puts that 70's tune in my brain".
~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #204 comments is: #7 Janhvi who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #205 (One Question.)

Q1. This is my question - one that came to me recently rather than from my list: Where do you get your reading selections (other than TBR books) and how do you choose??
A: As you all know I pick up a LOT of books for review. I am fortunate to have many books offered by publicists (Hachette, Sourcebooks and more); others I pick from Blog tours like Pump up Your Books, BookBlasts, iRead and more. Audios are often from Audiobook Jukebox and I do accept some titles from author inquiries. But here is the thing: I get so much email I often miss opportunities. This past year the Sourcebooks emails have been going into my promo folder so I have missed getting them. Recently I signed up for Edlewiess but I haven't gotten to  look at those weekly newsletters to select books yet. When I visit NetGalley I get tempted with so many good choices.

Sometimes it is just a matter of what I happen to see in a given week. I try to choose a variety in the genres I enjoy to keep things interesting. I also try to maintain a reasonable control on the number of books I select -- it would be so easy to get out of control! So I am now curious how everyone else picks up titles to read??
Image found at Bio Break

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.
The questions for May came from Miki, MaryP, Jess1 and Abby. Random.org picked 3 so Jess1 gets a book selection this month.

Your turn to share:
Q1. This is my question: Where do you get your reading selections (other than TBR books) and how do you choose??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday June 6, 2015 at 5 PM  central.
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Book Review and Giveaways: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott

This is another enjoyable adventure to conclude this engaging series.
Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
  • File Size: 973 KB
  • Print Length: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Forever (March 4, 2014)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
  • ASIN: B00DTUHMU4
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
PASSIONATELY YOURS
With her older sisters both happily married, Caro Sloane yearns for a romantic adventure of her own. Unfortunately the muddy, sulfur-scented waters of Bath seem the least likely setting for love or excitement. But the aspiring young poet soon finds inspiration when she runs into a familiar-and achingly handsome-Scottish laird.
Visiting Bath with his sickly sister, Alec McClellan is shocked to be reunited with Caro Sloane. He hasn't been able to forget the English beauty since their brief but exhilarating first meeting. But Bath is not nearly as serene as it appears, and soon Alec must protect Caro from a danger that threatens to extinguish the sparks flying between them. Little does he know that a bit of danger is exactly what Caro is looking for . . .


Review:
Caro is the youngest of the three sisters known as The Hellions of High Street. Their father was an explorer who believed his daughters should be as well educated as a son would be. They received a sound scholarly education as well as practical living experiences in how to manage in the wilds and how to escape or fight in dangerous situations. Each of the sisters found a release in writing under male pseudonyms: Olivia pens political essays, Anna publishes adventure romance novels, and Caro writes emotional, passionate poetry.

Caro has had her first season but didn’t meet any man who inspired her interests...except perhaps the summer before when she met the Scottish laird, Alec, with whom she had traded biting exchanges. Now she is in Bath with her mother. Seeking younger companionship Caro has befriended Isobel, who happens to be Alec’s sister.

Alec travels to Bath to visit his sister and is surprised to arrive just in time to rescue Isobel and Caro from an attack by ruffians. Alec has been involved with politics in Scotland but he has broken ties with a group that has turned violent. He suspects that perhaps that group plans to use his sister to threaten him.

Alec is a quite man who has closed his emotions due to a hurt in his past that he doesn’t like to discuss, even with his sister. He enjoys Caro’s unique lively personality and boldness but he believes that she deserves better than a man who has retreated from emotional involvement. Caro, on the other hand, suspects that there is a caring and warm heart lying hidden behind Alec’s scowls and grim demeanor.

Caro overhears a secret conversation that implies danger and violence. She thinks she heard a soft Scottish accent but she is unable to identify the speaker. Caro is wary when another very dashing and charming Scotsman strikes up an acquaintance with her but she is not sure who to believe - this stranger who implies evil danger about Alec, or Alec who refuses to answer her direct questions.

I didn’t find quite the depth in plot in this story as the first two as there seemed to be more focus on the personal tension and less danger and adventure in this tale. Still, once again, I enjoyed the tension between the hero and heroine that is developed with interesting sparks and teasing banter. Ms. Elliot does a lovely job with word phrasing for descriptions and engaging dialogue. There is a background of intrigue and Caro does ultimately get her own dangerous adventure.

This is the third story in the series which could be read as a stand alone. However, I encourage reading the stories in order just to enjoy them all.
Scandalously Yours 
Sinfully Yours

I received this title through NetGalley from Hachette/Forever in exchange for an honest review. It adds to my NetGalley Challenge and P in Alphabet Soup Challenge.



Buy Links:
Amazon
B&N
iBooks
GooglePlay
Kobo
BAM

About the author: Cara Elliott
Cara Elliott started writing Western novels at the age of five. However, she traded in her cowboy boots for Regency high-top Hessians after reading Pride and Prejudice in junior high school and hasn't looked back. She graduated from Yale University, and she now lives and works in New York City.
Social Media Links:


EXCERPT:
   “One would almost think you were going out of your way to avoid speaking to me.”
   “We’re speaking now,” he pointed out.
   “I would call it verbal sparring.” Caro edged around impatiently, forcing him to look her in the face. “But now that I have you alone, I’d rather not keep trading thrusts and parries. I would rather discuss far more important matters—such as whether you have learned anything new about the attack on your sister?”
   Pursing his lips, Alec shifted his stance just enough to allow him to return to his perusal of the lettering on the column. “Not really.”
   “Ye gods.” She restrained the urge to take hold of his arm and give him a hard shake.      “What sort of answer is that?”
   “The only one I intend to give,” he replied calmly.
   “Fine.” Caro watched the breeze ruffle his long hair, causing a tangle of red-gold strands to curl around his ear and dance down the freshly shaven line of his jaw. The faint scent of bay rum tickled at her nostrils.
   “Fine,” she repeated, after forcing herself to exhale. “Then I’ll just have to do a little poking around on my own.”
   That got his attention. He looked around abruptly, his gaze narrowing to a slitted stare.    The movement was quick, but not quick enough to hide the sudden darkening of his eyes.
   “That wouldn’t be wise,” he growled. “The only thing I will add for now is that you should stay well away from Edward Thayer.”
   “Why?”
   “Because…” He let out an exasperated grunt. “Must you always plague me with questions?”
   “I wouldn’t have to if you would stop treating me like a feather-headed wigeon.”
   Alec’s scowl became more pronounced.
   “Haven’t I proved myself trustworthy and capable?”
   A small muscle on his jaw twitched. “I am not at liberty to give you any more details right now. All I can say is that…” As he drew in a breath, he seemed to change his mind about what to say. “Thayer is a charming fellow. No doubt his smooth words are more to your liking.”
   Deciding Alec deserved a bit of teasing, Caro pretended not to notice the roughness edging his voice. “Yes, he’s exceedingly charming.”
   If his storm-blue stare squeezed any tighter, it would be sharper than a razor’s edge.
   “And scrupulously polite,” she added.
   Alec was becoming more flustered. Small sounds were beginning to rumble in his throat, like the growling of a bear. “I do not have Thayer’s gift of making myself agreeable. He has a honeyed tongue, which seems to appeal to all the ladies.”
   “Honey is, after all, a great deal more palatable than vinegar,” Caro pointed out.
   He now looked utterly nonplussed.
   Caro let him stew for a moment longer before huffing an exasperated sigh. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, give me some credit for having a brain, Lord Strathcona! Of course I don’t find Thayer appealing. When honey drips that freely, it ought to catch naught but flies.”
   The growls ceased.
   Caro waited for him to speak.
   Ever so slowly, Alec shifted his feet, stirring tiny puffs of pale dust beneath his boots.
   The flicker of dark leather caused a momentary spasm of doubt as she recalled her chilling encounter in the churchyard.
   Alec as evil? She couldn’t explain how, but she knew with a certainty that resonated right down to her very heartbeat that it couldn’t be true.
   “Are you saying you would trust my word over his?”
   “Yes, you big lummox! I don’t know why I should, but I prefer your snaps and growls.”
   A dappling of sunlight seemed to catch on the curl of his lashes, gilding them to a gleaming gold.
   “You are forthright, you are honorable in your own maddening way,” she went on. Oh, no man ought to have such beautiful eyes.
   She found herself staring, and at that moment, all rational thought seemed to dance away in the breeze. His face was utterly intriguing—a mix of chiseled planes and well-defined features that hinted at hidden secrets.
   “And… well, you are quite the most interesting man I have ever met.” Her legs suddenly seemed a little unsteady, so Caro reached out and caught hold of his lapels.
   Looking up, she found his mouth was only inches from hers.
   “Oh, bosh—I shall probably regret this…” Standing on tiptoes, Caro kissed him. Not a mere feathering of flesh against flesh, but a hard, hungry embrace that she let go on for far, far longer than any proper young lady should dare.
   “There, I have no doubt shocked you.”
   The tip of his tongue traced along the swell of his lower lip.
   “I imagine you think me a wanton hellion, and I suppose I am. It must be my eccentric upbringing. I don’t care very much for rules.”
   Caro knew she was babbling but she couldn’t seem to stop. “You may consign me to the Devil. But at least I shall dance a merry jig on my way to perdition.”
   Was that finally a hint of smile?
   She finally dared pause to take a breath. A long, shuddering breath. Now was the time to flee, before she made an even bigger fool of herself.
   But Alec suddenly shifted again, blocking her way.
   “I, too, shall probably regret this,” he said as he slowly circled his arms around her and pulled her close.
   She opened her mouth. To protest?
   Before she could make any sense of what she had set in motion, their lips met again, setting off a fierce jolt of fire.

GIVEAWAYS:
Rafflecopter:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635ce2207/?
a Rafflecopter giveaway



BONUS GIVEAWAY
ONE PRINT COPY (US/Canada only).
Graciously provided by the publisher:


(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)
For 2 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review,
OR
(b) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there
OR
(c) Tell us in the comment what bent your writing would take? Essays? Novels? Poetry? Other?

* This contest is open to US/CANADA only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) June 6, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after June 6, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.
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Friday, May 29, 2015

Book Review: The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2) by Beth Cato

I enjoyed this Steampunk with some unique, green, elements, a good pace and a sweet romance.
The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2)
by Beth Cato
File Size: 1459 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager (June 9, 2015)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
ASIN: B00NLM6AJO
Genre: Steampunk
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Rich in atmosphere, imagination, and fun, the action-packed, magic-filled sequel to The Clockwork Dagger is an enchanting steampunk fantasy, evocative of the works of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.

Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queen’s secret society of spies and killers—and possibly his life—to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to find safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerful? Why does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?

The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power—the Lady’s Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in a rough, inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren and uninhabitable by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence—and they need Octavia’s powers to succeed.

Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers and Clockwork Daggers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.


Review:
Octavia and Alonzo are fleeing from several enemy groups. Apparently they, or more particularly, Octavia was betrayed by a friend and given over to enemies who would use her healing powers for their own rebellion goals. Octavia is a skilled Medician - a healer who uses magic, as well as herbs and natural potions. Her powers are tied to “The Lady”, an ancient tree which is hidden but whose powers are known to give life and death.

Alonzo was a Clockwork Dagger, an elite fighter, who was sent to assassinate Octavia but instead rescued her and helped her escape. Alonzo is handsome even with a metal leg and he is always a gentleman in his behavior with Octavia.

The pair are seeking ancient information about The Tree and how it might be impacting Octavia. Not only are her powers growing stronger but soon she is exhibiting other strange signs of growth. Alonzo agrees to participate in a dangerous arena event in order to gain more information. When Alonzo and Octavia become separated, Octavia finds unexpected but important help in the form of a new friend who will continue her quest with her. Alonzo has to try to catch up since it is his personal goal to be Octavia’s bodyguard.

I am very sorry that I did not get to read the first book. As this started I felt a bit lost trying to figure out the history. The author drips bits and pieces but doesn’t do a good job of bringing enough back-story to make a new reader totally comfortable. I felt disappointed that I did not have a better understanding of Alonzo’s background. Fortunately the relationship, and good repartee, between Octavia and Alonzo pulled me in as the story moved along. The romance is tender with nice underlying sensuality. I loved the chimera characters, even though their creation was a tragedy. I also loved the gremlins who added a great bit of whimsy and feeling to the story. I found the story creative with good twists so that it read quickly.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong fantasy, including steampunk elements, and engaging characters. I would suggest reading book 1 first to help understand the political struggles and the extent of danger threatening Octavia and Alonzo.

I received this title through Edelweiss for an honest review as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.


To Purchase The Clockwork Crown

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Beth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in a lair west of Phoenix, Arizona. She shares the household with a hockey-loving husband, a numbers-obsessed son, and a cat the size of a canned ham.

She’s the author of THE CLOCKWORK DAGGER steampunk fantasy series from Harper Voyager. The newest book, THE CLOCKWORK CROWN, comes out on June 9th, 2015.

Follow her at www.BethCato.com and on Twitter at @BethCato.
For More Information Visit Beth at her website
or Visit her at the following locations:
Facebook
Twitter 
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